Secure and/or lockable connecting arrangement for video game system

ABSTRACT

Compatible mechanical and/or electrical connections to video game system accessories provide unique shape, design and dimensions that discourage or prevent non-compatible devices from being connected, connector configurations that allow connection only in a proper orientation to ensure electrical compatibility and eliminate the possibility of short-circuits, quick release locking arrangement firmly mechanically holds mating connectors together despite extensive movement of the game player&#39;s arms and hands, staged electrical contacting sequence provides proper signal application sequence, and wrist strap to tether handheld remote controller to hand is attached to a locking connector that mates with a connector of the remote controller.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to the filing dates of U.S. applicationSer. No. 11/905,903 filed Oct. 5, 2007, U.S. Provisional Application No.60/866,391 filed Nov. 17, 2006, and U.S. Provisional Application No.60/916,750 filed May 8, 2007, the contents of each of which areincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technology herein relates to electrical connectors for video gamesystems, and more specifically to electromechanical connectingarrangements for connecting with video game input, peripheral and/orother devices. Still more particularly, the technology herein relates tomethods, apparatus and techniques for providing reliable electrical andmechanical connectivity between 3D video game system components whilepreventing or discouraging incompatible and/or unauthorized deviceconnections. The technology herein also relates to a secure lockableconnector arrangement for video game system peripheral or other devices.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

Video game system designers spend enormous amounts of time, effort,energy, money and other resources designing new video game systems forthe consumer electronics market. A vast amount of human factor and otherengineering typically goes into video game designs to make themsuccessful and popular with consumers. For example, a video game inputdevice such as a remote controller, handheld controller, joystick or thelike should be capable of providing fine and other flexible user controlinputs while at the same time being able to withstand various forms ofphysical abuse from small children. There are significant challenges todesigning, developing and manufacturing video game consumer electronicshardware that is easy to use, very capable, highly reliable, rugged,flexible, compact, relatively low cost and a pleasure to operate.

A video game system designer may become disappointed if a competitorattempts to “knock off”, copy or otherwise attempt to develop unlicensedor unauthorized substitute input devices. Video game input devices thatare cheaply made without the requisite human factor engineering tend todisappoint consumers. Furthermore, it is important for reliability,safety, avoiding damage and other reasons that only those devicesintended to be connected are in fact able to be connected. It isundesirable to allow an unauthorized or unlicensed video game accessorymanufacturer to get a “free ride” by selling certain types of productsdesigned to interoperate with the video game system without firstobtaining permission from or otherwise working out an agreement with thevideo game system manufacturer.

Some in the past have used complex electronic authentication or otherelements to ensure that accessory hardware and software manufacturersobtain proper licenses and permissions. For example, many video gamesystem software, disks and cartridges are protected by security systemsthat allow the system to determine whether software is authentic. Thesystem can refuse to run software that is not authentic. While it may bepossible and desirable to include electronic encryption andauthentication on hardware accessory signal pathways, more fundamentalapproaches can also be effective.

The technology herein relates to a new and improved electromechanicalconnector arrangement for use in a video game system and/or otherapplication. Exemplary illustrative non-limiting features include:

-   -   Unique shape, design and dimensions that discourage or prevent        connection of non-compatible devices    -   Male connector insertion portion defines receiving socket        containing electrical contacts, and female connector socket has        protrusion having electrical contact strips disposed thereon for        pressure insertion into and engagement with the male connector        receiving socket    -   Connector configurations that ensure connection in a proper        orientation to provide electrical compatibility and eliminate        the possibility of short-circuits    -   Quick release locking arrangement that firmly mechanically holds        mating connectors together despite extensive movement of the        game player's arms and hands    -   Staged electrical contacting sequence provides proper sequence        for applying signals    -   Wrist strap tethering handheld remote controller to hand is        attached to a locking connector that securely mates with a        connector of the remote controller    -   High reliability and long life    -   Very rugged design in a compact low cost package    -   Easy to manipulate and operate to insert and release    -   Positive coupling with tactile feel so users know when        connection is successful    -   Positive interlock securely fastens and holds connectors        together despite active motion by users holding onto handheld        controllers the connector is used to couple together    -   Good strain resistance preventing cable from being forceably        pulled out of connector    -   Combination insertion/receiving interlocking portions on both        male and female connectors provide mechanical strength when        connectors are mated    -   Other advantageous non-limiting features

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages will be better and morecompletely understood by referring to the following detailed descriptionof exemplary non-limiting illustrative implementations in conjunctionwith the drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is an elevated front right perspective view of an exemplaryillustrative non-limiting male connector plug as seen from near theconnector's insertion end;

FIG. 2 is an elevated rear left perspective view of the FIG. 1 maleconnector plug inverted and as seen from behind the connector's cablereceiving portion;

FIGS. 2A & 2B show the FIG. 1 male connector plug being squeezed betweena finger and thumb to partially retract locking nibs used to lock theconnector in a mating position;

FIG. 2C shows fully retracted locking nibs;

FIG. 2D shows exemplary illustrative non-limiting retractable lockingnibs in more detail;

-   -   FIG. 2D-1 shows an exemplary illustrative non-limiting        implementation of how retractable nibs of the FIG. 1 male        connector can engage with exemplary female mating connector nib        retaining slots;

FIGS. 2E-2P show an exemplary illustrative non-limiting plug and socketconnector mating sequence (and, if viewed in reverse, anunmating/release sequence) from different perspectives;

FIG. 3 shows a top view in plan of the FIG. 1 exemplary illustrativenon-limiting male connector showing exemplary illustrative non-limitingdimensions in millimeters for an exemplary illustrative plug cableassembly;

FIG. 4 shows a side elevation of the FIG. 3 exemplary male connector andcable assembly including dimensions in millimeters;

FIG. 5 shows further exemplary illustrative non-limiting cable assemblydimensions in millimeters;

FIG. 6 shows a plan view of an exemplary illustrative non-limiting maleplug six pin electrical contact arrangement;

FIGS. 6A and 6B show perspective views of an exemplary illustrativenon-limiting female connector socket contact arrangement;

FIG. 7A is an exemplary illustrative non-limiting cross-section view ofan exemplary illustrative non-limiting corresponding female plugconnector showing exemplary electrical pin assignments;

FIG. 7B is an exemplary illustrative non-limiting electrical circuitconnection diagram;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional more detailed view of an exemplaryillustrative non-limiting locking mechanism showing the retractablelocking nibs operated by finger-depressible actuators;

FIG. 8A shows in detail an exemplary illustrative non-limiting internallocking mechanism structure portion of the FIG. 1 connector;

FIGS. 9 and 10 show exemplary electrical contacting arrangementsincluding dimensions in millimeters;

FIG. 11 shows a top exemplary illustrative non-limiting female connectormetallic or other conductive socket shield;

FIG. 12 is a side elevated view in plan of an exemplary illustrativenon-limiting female connector in a flipped configuration as compared toFIG. 7A;

FIG. 13 is a side elevated plan view of the FIG. 11 exemplaryillustrative non-limiting socket shield;

FIG. 14 shows the exemplary illustrative non-limiting socket shield incross-section;

FIG. 15 shows exemplary illustrative non-limiting socket shielddimensions in millimeters;

FIG. 16 show exemplary illustrative non-limiting socket shield printedcircuit board contact dimensions in millimeters;

FIGS. 17A-17L show exemplary illustrative compatible or partiallycompatible non-limiting connector socket shapes; and

FIGS. 18A-18P show exemplary illustrative non-limiting compatible plugshapes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary illustrative non-limitingelectrical connector plug 50. Electrical connector plug 50 can be used,for example, to electrically connect a video game accessory includingbut not limited to a “nunchuk”, “classic controller” or other device toanother video game unit such as for example a handheld remote control.These are exemplary illustrative non-limiting examples—connector 50 canbe used to connect any device to any other device.

Exemplary illustrative non-limiting electrical connector plug 50includes an insertion portion 52 and a manually grippable portion 54.Insertion portion 52 in one exemplary illustrative non-limitingimplementation forms a male portion of a connector that mates with afemale connector receptacle or socket 100 (See FIG. 2E and following).Grippable portion 54 is intended to be gripped by human digits (fingersand thumb of the human hand) to allow a user to easily manually, and ina locking manner, insert the connector plug 50 into and to remove(unlock) the connector plug 50 from a corresponding mating femaleconnector socket 100.

In the exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation shown,grippable portion 54 includes a generally box-like housing 56 includinggrippable side walls 58 a, 58 b. Housing 56 can be of two-piececonstruction with a top (upper) case portion 60 joining with a bottom(lower) case portion 62. Upper and lower or top and bottom housing caseportions 60, 62 can be for example made of molded hard plastic, white“66Nylon” material or any other suitable durable material.

The upper and lower housing case portions 60, 62 when coupled together(e.g., using retaining screws, adhesive, or any other convenientfastening system) encapsulate and protect internal portions of theconnector assembly to make the connector plug 50 rugged and allow it tostand up to abuse from children and others. In other exemplaryillustrative non-limiting implementations, housing 56 as shown could beeliminated and some other arrangement used (or omitted as desired) forelectrically connecting the connectors of a cable (not shown) to theinsertion portion 52.

In the exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation, the connectorplug housing 56 is of a convenient size for grasping or gripping betweena thumb and other digit (e.g., forefinger, middle finger, etc.). SeeFIG. 2A for example. Dimensions can be for example 17 mm wide by 23.5 mmlong by 9.7 mm high in one exemplary illustrative non-limitingimplementation. See for example FIGS. 3 and 4. Such a size is convenientto be grasped by adults and small children. Other dimensions arepossible.

In one exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation, the maleconnector plug 50 has a wrist strap hook 59 mounted on its housing 56.Wrist strap hook 59 can comprise for example a separate layer of clearstrong durable plastic or other similar material providing a ridge 59 aand a hook structure 59 b. The purpose of ridge 59 a and hook structure59 b in one exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation is toretain a nylon or other durable fabric or other wrist strap (e.g., loop)so the device into which the male connector plug 50 (e.g., a handheldremote controller) can be anchored to the user's hand or wrist.

Since illustrative non-limiting implementations shown herein have arugged, strong locking mechanism that locks the male connector plug 50to a mating female connector socket 100 (and thus for example to ahandheld device which provides the mating female connector socket), itis sufficient in the exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementationto anchor the wrist strap to the connector 50 which mates with thehandheld device (direct connection of the wrist strap to the handhelddevice itself is thus not necessary in one exemplary illustrativenon-limiting implementation). In other implementations, a wrist strapcould be anchored directly to the handheld device as opposed to theconnector, or it could be omitted. In some exemplary illustrativenon-limiting implementations, a sensor of some sort (e.g., optical) isprovided to detect whether the wrist strap is being used and in somecases to prevent games or other applications from operating unless thewrist strap is physically in place. The wrist strap could be replacedwith a lanyard or any other desired arrangement.

Exemplary Illustrative Non-Limiting Secure Locking Mechanism

An exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation includes a securelocking mechanism including control arms 64, locking nibs or tangs 66,and slots or other openings defined within a mating connector inregistry with the locking nibs or tangs (see FIG. 2E). In one exemplaryillustrative non-limiting implementation, the thumb for example can beplaced into contact with sidewall 58 a and a finger can be placed intocontact with sidewall 58 b. When the user grasps connector plug 50 inthe way shown in FIG. 2A and exerts pressure against the sidewalls 58 a,58 b, the user may inwardly depress control arms 64 a, 64 b. Arms 64 a,64 b provide a control feature for the locking mechanism. In moredetail, in one exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation, nibs66 are normally biased to project outwardly through openings 68. In theexemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation, locking nibs 66 haveramped, angled or inclined leading edges 70 and flat (non-angled)following edges 72. As shown in FIG. 2C (and see also FIG. 8A internalview), these retractable nibs 66 may be integrally formed (e.g., byconventional metal cutting and bending manufacturing processes) on metalmembers 65 a, 65 b that integrally extend alongside the control arms 64a, 64 b. Two such retractable nibs 66 are formed on each metal member inthe exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation, although otherexemplary embodiments could have one nib, more than two nibs, somelocking structure other than a nib, or no locking structure at all.

In the exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation, control arms64 and associated retractable nibs 66 are mechanically biased (see FIGS.1 and 2) such that, at rest, the locking nibs 66 are fully extended. Inthe exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation, nibs 66 can beforced to retract in two ways: (a) by the user depressing control arms64 (for unlocking action), and (b) when the connector plug insertionportion 52 is inserted into a snugly fitting receptacle (leading up tolocking action) which applies retracting pressure directly onto the nibsin a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction inwhich the associated control arm extends. In the exemplary illustrativenon-limiting implementation, inserting the connector plug insertionportion 52 into a female receptacle thus causes a locking action, anduser depression of control arms 64 causes an unlocking action. As FIG.8A shows, the metal members 65 a, 65 b are part of a U-shaped structure65 that is formed with a stiffening cross base 65 c that holds themembers 65 a and 65 b in an outwardly biased position, but which allowsthe members (and hence the nibs 66) to flex inwardly when pressure isapplied to the control arms 64 a, 64 b. The metallic structure 65 canserve double duty as a cable retaining structure.

In more detail, when the user grasps the connector plug housing 54between the thumb and a finger and applies pressure to the control arms64 and at this stage may or may not cause retractable nibs 66 to retract(see FIGS. 2A-2D). The user may insert the plug insertion portion 52into a corresponding conformal or other snugly fitting female connectorsocket 100 (see FIGS. 2E-2K) and apply pressure onto the connector toforce the connector insertion end further into the female connectorsocket. A point is reached (see FIG. 2L) at which the retractablelocking nibs 66 contact the outer edges of the connector socket 100 andthe retractable nib biasing forces offer some resistance to furtherinsertion. If the user continues to increase or otherwise provideapplied insertion force, the socket wall will apply a side directedcomponent of that axially directed insertion force to the retractablenibs 66 to cause the nibs to retract sufficiently to clear the socketopening (see FIG. 2M and following). Such retraction of nibs 66 canoccur whether or not the user is applying pressure to the control arms64.

Insertion is smoother and easier if the user is applying pressure to thecontrol arms 64, but the force that the insertion wall of the femaleconnector socket applies to the retractable nibs 66 will cause the nibsto retract irrespective of whether the user is applying force to controlarms 64. Even though they are partially retracted, the nibs 66 areoutwardly biased in the exemplary illustrative non-limitingimplementation such that they remain in close biased contact with thefemale socket inner wall and exert a frictional force thereon. However,in the exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation, the contactis between smooth metal surfaces so the frictional insertion force isrelatively small, so as not to substantially impede insertion progress.Meanwhile, proper registration between the plug 50 and the socket isensured by channel 320 conformally in registry with an engaging ridge1320 disposed on an insertion wall of the female socket.

Thus, in the exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation shown,retractable nibs 66 serve to automatically retract as the connectorinsertion portion 52 is inserted into a corresponding snugly-fittingfemale receptacle. If corresponding locking grooves, openings or otherstructures in registry with locking nibs 66 are provided, the lockingnibs may then automatically protrude into the corresponding structuresin registration therewith, such that the trailing edges 72 abutcorresponding edges of grooves, holes or the like and therebysubstantially prevent the connector insertion portion 52 from beingremoved from a corresponding female receptacle unless either the controlarms 64 are depressed to retract the nibs or a substantial amount ofpressure is applied.

FIG. 2D-1 shows one such exemplary illustrative non-limiting femaleconnector socket engaging structure including a metal housing 201defining a pair of rectangular openings or slots 202 (only one isshown), each rectangular opening being dimensioned to accept a pair ofnibs 66, the openings being positioned so that the nibs engage with theopening when male connector plug 50 is substantially fully inserted intoand thus fully mated with female connector socket 100.

More specifically, as the user continues to supply insertion force (FIG.2N, FIG. 2O), the retractable nibs 66 eventually engage withcorresponding slots 202 defined in the female connector socket wall. Inthe exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation, such slots arelocated and disposed in registry with the nib 66 positions when the maleconnector plug 50 is fully mated with the female connector socket 100.Upon such mating connection, the locking nibs 66 snap outwardly with apositive “click” sound and generate a corresponding tactile snap,thereby letting the user know that the male connector plug 50 has fullymated with the female connector socket 100 (FIG. 2P). At this fullymated point, the body of connector 50 may be in direct contact with anouter surface 67 defined by a device housing the female socket 100. Thenib flat engaging surfaces 72 at this point engage, much as a ratchetengages with a pawl, with edges of the corresponding female socket wallslots 202 to firmly and strongly lock the connector plug into the matingconnector socket 100. When locked, the connector plug 66 can move in andout by a very small distance in the exemplary illustrative non-limitingimplementation, but is in fact firmly locked in place so that attemptingto pull the connector plug out by force will be unsuccessful unless avery large amount of force is applied.

The locking mechanism (the retractable nib portion of which is shown inmore detail in FIG. 8A—including the U-shaped structure 65) thusprovides added degrees of safety and security since the accessory orother device that connector plug 50 connects to will generally noteasily unintentionally separate from the corresponding female connectorsocket 100. This can provide significant benefits for example when auser is holding a video game remote controller with one hand, the remotecontroller providing a female connector socket 100 into which a wiredconnector plug 50 is inserted. As the user independently swings his orher left and right arms to operate the two different devices, forexample, the exemplary illustrative locking mechanism shown includingretractable nibs 66 and corresponding in-registration slots, grooves orother openings or similar structures maintains a firmly-lockedelectrical and mechanical connection. This prevents electrical connector50 from unexpectedly and unintentionally flying out of the correspondingfemale connector socket 100 during such arm movements, therebypotentially avoiding injuries, inconvenience, and other potentialoccurrences caused by unintended disconnection.

In one exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation, the lockingmechanism is designed so it will fail and release the connector plug 50from the connector socket 100 when a very substantial removal force isapplied. Such a removal force can for example be somewhat orsubstantially less than the amount of force required to pull a cable outof the connector plug so that the locking mechanism will forceablyrelease just before the cable strain release fails. Thus, the exemplaryillustrative non-limiting locking mechanism is sufficiently stiff sothat the connector will not come out accidentally, but is not so stiffthat the cord will break first (locking mechanism strength is less thanthe tensile strength of the cable connected to the male connector 50assuming a cable based connection is used).

In normal use, the user can easily withdraw the connector plug 50 fromthe connector socket 100 at any time by applying pressure onto controlarms 64 and thereby cause the control arms to retract inwardly into theconnector plug housing. As the user applies force to the control arms 64and exceeds the biasing force that maintains the control arms in theiroutwardly protruding resting positions, the retractable nibs begin toretract into housing 54 (see FIG. 2C) and thus disengage from the femaleconnector socket wall slots 202 or other engaging voids. As the usercontinues to apply more force, the control arms 64 continue to travelinwardly into the grippable portion 54 housing 56 interior. This causeslocking nibs 66 to further retract into insertion portion 52, thereby inone exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation freeing theconnector insertion portion 52 from a mating receptacle engaging slot orother engaging structure(s). Once the locking nibs 66 are sufficientlyretracted to disengage from corresponding slots, the user can then pullthe male connector plug 50 outwardly away from the female connectorsocket 100 to slide out and thereby withdraw the plug from the socket100.

As can be seen in FIG. 2A, the exemplary illustrative non-limitingimplementation of male connector plug insertion portion 52 has one ormore longitudinally defined raised portions or ribs 69 that are intendedto maintain frictional contact with the female connector socket innerwall while limiting or reducing the total contact surface area betweenthe withdrawing male connector plug insertion portion 52 and the femaleconnector socket interior walls. Furthermore, during the operation ofwithdrawing the connector plug 50 from the female socket 100, the usercan continue to maintain strong pressure on the control arms 64 with thesame finger and thumb that is being used to apply withdrawal force in adirection away from the female connector socket 100, thereby maintainingthe retractable nibs 66 in substantially or completely retractedpositions so the nibs do not substantially add to the amount of forceneeded to withdraw the connector plug 50 from the connector socket 100.Such a withdrawal operation is therefore simple, does not require muchdexterity or applied force, and therefore can be performed even by asmall child without difficulty.

In still other exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementations, theretractable nibs 66 could be formed in other ways and or omittedentirely. Although the exemplary illustrative non-limitingimplementation shown includes a locking mechanism including retractablenibs 66, other arrangements could be used instead. For example, in someapplications, a friction fit alone might be sufficient, or the force ofgravity in combination with a friction fit could be used to keep theconnector insertion portion 52 mated with a corresponding femaleconnector receptacle.

Exemplary Male and Female Multilevel Interlocking Configurations

FIG. 6 shows a forward-looking plan view looking down onto (and into)the male connector 50. One can see the insertion portion 52 whichterminates in a planar surface 300 composed of plastic or othermaterial. The exemplary illustrative male connector 50 defines, in thisplanar surface 300, a recess 302 in which the above-mentioned electricalcontact strips are disposed. This recess 302 is dimensioned to receive aprotrusion which is disposed within the female connector (socket). Thus,the male connector 50 in the exemplary illustration has a portion with afemale receptacle for receiving a male protrusion portion of the femalesocket 100. Providing a male plug 50 with a female socket portion 302and providing the female socket 100 with a male protrusion portionenhances ruggedness, reliability and mechanical strength through theapplication of multiple interlocking elements that surround one another.In the exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation, the femalesocket male protrusion portion is received and surrounded by the maleplug recess 302, which in turn is surrounded by the larger maleprojection 52 that is received within the female socket recess.

The cross-sections of the different interlocking portions can be otherthan those shown in the Figures discussed above. For example, FIGS. 17a-18 p illustrate various connector/plug configurations that includefully or partially compatible mechanical configurations in combinationwith compatible electrical configurations for the male projection 52 andfemale connector socket 100, each or any of which may be used toestablish the desired electrical connection. However, as mentionedabove, entirely different locking mechanisms could be substituted, suchlocking mechanisms including for example:

-   -   a lever-operated locking mechanism of the type often seen        holding zero insertion force connector pins    -   a retractable spring or other biased plunger, ball or the like    -   a pure friction fit such as commonly used by USB connectors    -   a threaded ring or other structure that screws onto a        corresponding threaded shaft or other structure    -   threaded shafts with knurled knobs that mate and interlock with        corresponding threaded screw holes, of the type for example used        for personal computer parallel and serial cables    -   side protrusions of the type used commonly for USB male and        female connectors    -   any other suitable locking, retaining or friction fully engaging        structural mechanism    -   in suitable applications, a combination of friction and the        force of gravity (e.g., docking ports or the like) while        connector 50 is not in physical motion and has a generally        downwards orientation    -   any other suitable arrangement (for example, a locking mechanism        that engages the slots on the bottom of a FIG. 6A remote        controller rather than engaging the connector itself).    -   other

Exemplary Electrical Connection

Referring again to FIG. 1, the exemplary illustrative non-limitingimplementation of male connection plug 50 includes a keyed or slottedinsertion portion 52 having a substantially planar distal surface 300.Substantially planar distal surface 300 may define a rectangular opening302 therein. Rectangular opening 302 may have channels 304 a, b, c, e, fand g (sometimes referred to generally as “channels 304”) definedtherein. A portion 305 of each channel located at the front of theopening 302 is closed off with respect to the opening 302. Electricalcontact strips (e.g., copper or other conductive strips) 306 may bedisposed within the channels 304. These copper or other conductivecontact strips 306 are dimensioned and disposed to make good electricalcontact with corresponding electrical contacts 308 of mating femaleconnector socket 100. See FIG. 12, which shows an exemplary illustrativenon-limiting female connector socket 100 including a metal outer housing402 defining an opening 404 that is dimensioned and shaped toconformally match and accept, with close frictional engagement, the maleconnection plug insertion portion 52. Thus, for example, thecross-section of the male connection insertion portion 52 is the“positive” of a shape that is dimensioned to conformally match the shapeand size of a “negative” or void defined within the space of opening 404defined by the female mating connector socket metal housing 402. Ofcourse, metal is just one example, any type of material could be used.Metal may have some advantages in terms of durability, ruggedness,scratch and breakage-resistance and ability to provide RF and noiseshielding, but other materials could be used instead or in addition.

Referring again to FIG. 12, a channeled projection 406 is defined withinthe space or void 404 within the female connector socket 100. Thechanneled projection 406 has channels 408 a, b, c, d, e and f (sometimesreferred to generally as “channels 408”) defined therein, the channelseach having a copper or other electrically conductive strip 308 therein.The female connector channeled projection 406 is shaped and dimensionedto be inserted within the channeled rectangular opening 302 within themale connector plug insertion portion distal surface 300. When the maleplug 50 mates with the female socket 100, the male plug insertionportion 52 is inserted within the female socket space 404 as describedabove, and the female socket channeled projection 406 is in turninserted into the male plug rectangular opening 302. As the femalesocket channeled projection 406 is inserted into the male plugrectangular opening 302, the copper or other conductive strips 306 ofthe male plug 50 engage in close electrically conductive sliding contactwith corresponding copper or other conductive strips 308 of the femalesocket 100. Such sliding contact establishes corresponding electricalconnections for each of the six pairs of conductors shown. Differentnumbers of conductors could be used if desired. In some cases, unneededones of the conductive strips for particular applications can be omittedor made to be “no connection.” As many connective strips as desired maybe provided. In the example shown, a total of six connective strips areprovided for six independent electrical connections. In someconfigurations, not all connections are used (for example, there may beno need in some applications to connect to a “battery” connection). Insuch cases, the female socket 100 could be provided with one more(unused) electrical contact than certain configurations of male plug 50,whereas other configurations of male plug 50 could have the same numberof electrical contacts as the female socket 100, or vice versa. Otherapplications can of course have other configurations.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show details of exemplary illustrative non-limitingcopper or other conductive strips 308 as described above (strips 306 aresimilar). See also cross-sectional FIG. 8. As shown for example in FIG.6B, each strip 308 comprises a thin strip of copper or other conductivemetal or similar having a bulging portion 309 formed longitudinallytherein. Such bulging or protruding portions can provide good slidingfrictional electrical contact while minimizing the amount of forcenecessary to establish insertion. Furthermore, FIG. 6B shows that notall of the strips 308 in the female connector socket 100 are the samelength. In one exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation,certain of the strips 308 are shorter than others so that the longerstrips make contact with counterpart strips 306 (which in one exemplaryillustrative non-limiting implementation are all the same size) beforethe shorter ones make contact. For example, in one exemplaryillustrative non-limiting implementation, it may be desirable to connectpower and ground before making contact between data signal lines. Thisexemplary illustrated non-limiting connector conductive stripconfigurations shown provide such staged connections.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show electrical wiring diagrams for the pairedconnection, and FIG. 8 shows a cross-section of an exemplary electricalconnecting strip structure within male connector 50. The electricalconnecting strips in the exemplary illustrative non-limitingimplementation are made of a highly ductile, relatively stiff conductivematerial such as copper, aluminum or other metal. As perhaps best seenin FIG. 8, when pressure is applied to the copper strips due toengagement with additional copper strips within the female socket (seeFIG. 6A), the copper strips in the male connector 50 flex outwardly.Forward ends of the copper strips rest against the closed off portions305 of the channels formed on the sidewalls of the opening. An angledportion 307 projecting inwardly of the male connector copper stripsprotruding through a slotted opening in the male connector inner contactsupporting structure 310 moves outwardly upon conformal engagement witha corresponding female connector structure. However, the springiness ofthe copper strips ensures that an inward mechanical bias continues to beapplied, resulting in a pressure contact between the male and femaleconnector mating contact strips. Such pressure contact provideseffective and reliable highly-conductive electrical conductivity evenwhen the copper strips are worn or oxidized after long use.

One exemplary illustrative non-limiting pin assignment configuration maybe as follows for a six-pin male connector:

Pin 1: Vcc (3 volts)

Pin 2: SCL (serial clock line)

Pin 3: “Attach” (connected to Vcc on the male plug 50 side, sensed onthe female socket 100 side to determine whether a plug is connected ornot)

Pin 4: V-Batt (can be used for supplying external power through theconnectors if desired; this connection is optional in many games)

Pin 5: SDA (serial data line)

Pin 6: Ground

In one implementation shown in FIG. 6B, Vcc and Ground (1 and 6) are inan exemplary illustrative non-limiting implementation made longer thanthe rest of the lines. This means that power and ground will beconnected first, before the other signal lines. Furthermore, in theillustrative implementation, ground shield is connected first when themale and female connectors first come into contact (see for example FIG.2I to 2). One exemplary illustrative non-limiting connection sequence isthus:

(1) shielding plates make contact

(2) pins 1 and 6 (Vcc and ground) make contact simultaneously

(3) pins 2-5 (all the rest) make contact.

Other variations are of course possible, e.g., pins 2-5 make contactfirst and then power and ground make contact.

Such earlier or staged connection helps to eliminate power surges etc.

FIGS. 3-5 show an exemplary illustrative non-limiting cable assemblyincluding a multi-conductor cable with a male connector 50 at one endand an associated strain reliever 1500 at an opposite end. Thedimensions shown in these drawings (in millimeters) are exemplary(different dimensions could be used if desired).

Keyed Configuration

FIG. 6B shows that the exemplary illustrative non-limitingimplementation of the female connector 100 channeled projection 406 issymmetrical such that if taken by itself, it could be turned upside downand still connect equally well with the male connector plug rectangularopening conductors 306. However, FIG. 7A reveals that if the exemplaryillustrative non-limiting implementation female connector channeledprojection 406 were flipped in its connection orientation, then Vcc andGround would be reversed, the clock line and the data line would bereversed, and the Attach and V-Batt lines would be reversed. This wouldnot provide a compatible or even working connection in the exemplaryillustrative non-limiting implementation. To avoid such inadvertentconnection reversals, the outer profile of the male and female connectorportions are keyed so they can made in only one orientation. See thelongitudinal key slot, trough or channel 320 in the male connector plug50 of FIG. 2 and the corresponding mating and engaging longitudinalplateau 450 shown in the illustrative exemplary non-limiting femaleconnector socket 100 shown in FIG. 12. Note also the curved corners ineach connector.

While such conformal keying wherein plateau 450 slides into trough 320provides good compatibility, it should be understood that othercross-sectional shapes and profiles could similarly provide partialcompatibility and orientation control without being entirely conformal.In particular, although the exemplary illustrative non-limitingimplementations shown in FIGS. 1 and 12 provide substantially 100%complete conformality between the corresponding mating shapes, less than100% conformality in shape and/or dimension might be attempted insteadto nevertheless providing proper mating orientation, retention, etc.

Different Cross-Sectional Configurations

FIGS. 17A-17L provide non-exhaustive examples of female socket insertioncavity cross-sectional shapes that may accept a FIG. 1 male connectorplug 50. FIGS. 18A-18P provide non-exhaustive examples of male connectorplug cross-sectional shapes that may be accepted by the FIG. 12 femaleconnector socket 100. There are a very large number of potentialvariations and possibilities, so the examples shown in these drawingsare only representative.

One can assume that an unauthorized or unlicensed hardware manufacturerwould try to make his or her connector as different as possible from anauthentic connector while still achieving electrical and mechanicalcompatibility. Elements of electrical and mechanical compatibilityinclude for example proper electrical connection of most of the sixelectrical connections in the exemplary implementation (at least dataand clock line connections would presumably be wanted to provideelectrical compatibility, although the pluggable device might be able toprovide its own power it would presumably also tie to the common groundconnection or to shield but perhaps not to both); and prevention orcorrection in some way, shape or form from reversed orientation suchthat those lines are not reversed (although in some circumstances onecould envision simply telling the user to try it one way or the otheruntil it works since there are only two possibilities, so long as pinassignment is made carefully to avoid short-circuits).

Elements of mechanical compatibility depend to some extent on theparticular application. Rugged, locking, conformal compatibility isprobably useful for many applications. However, in applications wherenot much movement is involved, then perhaps the locking mechanism couldbe dispensed with or not used, and less conformality might be used. Lessconformal might weaken ruggedness, but other precautions (e.g.,additional means of attachment or stabilization) might be used tocompensate. In some applications such as stationary docking portapplications involving very little motion, the aspects of mechanicalconformality used for compatibility might be reduced. By setting forthese illustrative non-limiting shapes and examples, applicants intendto capture any and all ways to compatibly connect to either the FIG. 1(male) connector or to the FIG. 12 (female) connector.

All dimensions herein and in the drawings are in millimeters. Tolerancesare plus or minus 0.3 mm.

While the technology herein has been described in connection withexemplary illustrative non-limiting implementations, the invention isnot to be limited by the disclosure. For example, other connection meansincluding sleeves, clip down, tie downs, plunger based retainingmechanisms, discrete fingers, capacitive or inductive proximity sensors,optical couplers and other variations could be used instead of what isdescribed above. Although the exemplary illustrative non-limitingimplementation connects video game systems, other arrangements are alsopossible. The invention is intended to be defined by the claims and tocover all corresponding and equivalent arrangements whether or notspecifically disclosed herein.

1. A video game accessory connector plug, comprising: an elongatedhousing having an upper surface, a lower surface and a pair of grippablesides; a male insertion portion having a smaller cross-sectional areathan said housing projecting from a forward end of said housing, saidmale insertion portion having a substantially rectangularcross-sectional shape, with an inwardly protruding elongated slot formedin one exterior wall of said male insertion portion, the slot extendingalong a longitudinal center axis of the male insertion portion and beingconfigured to receive a protrusion on an interior wall of a matingfemale connector to ensure that the male insertion portion can only beinserted into the mating female connector in a single orientation, andwherein a recess is formed in a planar surface at a distal end of saidmale insertion portion; and a plurality of electrical contacts supportedin respective channels formed on two opposing walls bounding saidrecess, said electrical contacts arranged in two groups of alignedcontacts in facing relationship.